Really?

Wow, I can't believe I haven't taken the time to blog since August!  That's terrible of me.  I guess I didn't realize it had been that long, since I do try to consistently post to the Facebook page.  If you're not a fan of the Shelly Windham Interior Design page, I encourage you to check it out and become a fan/follower.

I really can't begin to catch you up on 3 months in one little blog post.  This fall has provided the office with lots of design projects, to which I am very thankful.  I'm in the midst of several renovations, two new kitchens, and a handful of other very interesting projects. In the weeks to come, I'll try better at posting about these projects.

This past month I participated in The Great American Teach In.  Oh my goodness, I was nervous.  The thought of speaking to two huge classrooms of 5th graders really was scary, but I think it turned out to be a great experience.  I spoke to the children about my profession and education - explaning to them how much math is involved {and how they should be soaking in all they're being taught} in the design & construction professions.  Then we did an activity together, which they really seemed to enjoy.  I told them that space planning really involves gathering the facts {related codes, needs of the client, etc.}, so I gave the "facts" about two different spaces and they space planned using small furniture cut-outs. 

Also this month, I attended the fall Renninger's Antique Extravaganza in Mt. Dora.  It was a great day, as always.  We found lots of inspiration and walked away with some great finds!

 {so perfect to use as a twin headboard}

 {Santa's Sleigh, anyone?}

 {kitchen island:  sides made from reclaimed doors, top made from reclaimed bowling alley floors}

 {industrial size pendants salvaged from paint factory}

Last week, I took some time off for the Thanksgiving holiday.  My family and I traveled to North Alabama to spend time with family and friends, and get a little R&R. 

 {William's new pony}

 {James is now 8 months old!}

Now it's back to the grind.  Wow, Christmas is quickly approaching and I have many deadlines for clients before they're ready to entertain guests!

Finds at Renninger's

Any of you wondering what I found in Mt. Dora last Friday?  Well, let me share a few of my finds....

 

{print for my son's room. sold to me at half the sticker price by a man from Rochester, NY}

 

{typeset letters for my friend Jada's printers drawer}

 

{Amish footstool, circa 1960...possibly for the baby's nursery}

 

{for my entry...or maybe bathroom}

 

{adorable pillowcase - love the buttons} 

We {mom, Laura, and Michele} had a great day at Renninger's.  The weather was beautiful!  There was so much to see...we made our decision to leave when we realized all the vendors were packing up for the day at oh, 4:30pm!  I don't think any of us realized how late it had gotten.  We did have a great brunch at the tea room, but were so busy with browsing & buying that we didn't make it back into town in time to devour a cupcake at the bakery.  But, there's always next month!  The next extravaganza weekend is February 18-20.

Extravaganza Time!

Have you ever visited Mt. Dora?  It's a beautiful old central Florida town.  The downtown area is full of antique shopppes, tea rooms, and a to-die-for cupcake bakery.  And there's always cool things going on there - art show, festivals....oh, and the extravaganza.  Three times a year Mt. Dora hosts the Renninger's Antique Extravaganza at the Renninger's Twin Markets.  The indoor markets are open most of the year, but each January, February, and November over a three day weekend Renninger's becomes an antique lover's dream with over 1500 dealers setup all over the premises.  If you plan to go, bring your walking shoes and be prepared to travel up and down two hills full of outdoor booths.

It's a great event to attend, and there's something for everyone.  I took a few quick pics this morning of some things at my own home that I've picked up at Renninger's.

 

{pewter etched/hammered tray, approx 24"dia. - i paid $10 for it!}

 

{blenko glass vase}

 

{tole tray, i paid one whole dollar for it! i use it for a coaster}

 

{green milk glass platter...always looking to add to my collection}

 

{asian rice bucket that i use to store floorplans}

Maybe I'll see you there this weekend.  I'm heading up tomorrow to spend the day with my mom and a friend or two.  We'll start out at The Garden Gate Tea Room, and then venture over to spend some major time shopping for antiques and curiosities.  And of course, we probably won't be able to end the day without a trip to Cupcake Delights for a delish chocolate chip cookie dough cupcake! 

{my husband took the picture above during a November 2008 trip to Renninger's.  we celebrated our 5 year anniversary that weekend. i think i'm scarfing down a bag of kettle corn.}

hmmm...

Are you familiar with vintage printers drawers?  My dear friend just shared her luck with me.  Her in-laws decided it was time to part with their collection.  So not only did she decide she could use a few, she thought of me and decided it'd be a good idea if I had one too.   It took a little while for me to decide which one I wanted but, I choose this one with the green front.  I love the green, and love the handle too.

It's funny, I don't think either of us really know what we're going to do with them.  Neither of us have those country homes where the immediate answer would be to hang it on the wall and fill it with a thimble collection or something.

So while I'm pondering how exactly I'm going to use this piece of history, I'd love to hear suggestions from you.......